Engine warning light / Electrical problems

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Nov 6, 2008 | 10:18 AM

pgman

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Engine warning light / Electrical problems

The engine warning light recently came on in my 2001 XJ8 4L. Everything is running fine but I thought I'd get it checked anyway so I took it to my local friendly independent Jag specialist who hooked it up to his diagnostic kit.

He said he was not able to access the ECU ( he tried two different systems) and so he couldn't help.

There are other intermittent faults that may be related:

Occasionally I turn the ignition key and the dash illuminates as normal but the engine does not turn over. I switch it off and try again and it's OK but all the systems have reset (the trip computer is reset and the stereo code needs inputting).

Also sometimes the alarm system does not work after switching the engine off - I have to restart the engine, switch it off again and then the alarm is OK.

Any ideas on this would be appreciated.

Nov 6, 2008 | 10:29 AM

JimmyL

Veteran Member

Joined: Oct 2008

Posts: 1,835

Likes: 454

From: Virginia Beach, VA

RE: Engine warning light / Electrical problems

I assume you mean the yellow engine icon is lit. I have read my own codes, and it's not hard with any generic OBD2 scanner. The plug is under the dash near your right knee - if you have LH drive. If you get the codes, that will help a lot. My car sometimes doesn't do anything when I turn the key, but I try again and it will start right up, but nothing gets reset. That's a mystery.

Nov 11, 2008 | 11:09 AM

Peter.H

Junior Member

Joined: Nov 2008

Posts: 25

Likes: 0

From: Leatherhead

RE: Engine warning light / Electrical problems

Doesn't it sound like there's a loose connection somewhere? Have you checked the battery terminals, which can become slightly corroded and need a drop of terminal lubricant to make a sound connection. Also, check the wires from the starter switch (need to drop the lower cowl of the steering wheel to see). I recently had a glitch caused by a trapped (very fine) wire from the indicator stalk. I freed it and all was fine, although it then fell off but just needed soldering back on. Don't know, but it could be worth checking these things before you go spending a fortune on diagnostics.